Unless you've been living in a cave, you've heard how LDL "bad" cholesterol could lead to clogged arteries, heart disease, strokes and other maladies.

But did you also know that high levels of "bad" cholesterol also can lead to problems with sexual performance?

"Medical science has made enormous strides in finally unraveling the mechanism of sexual arousal and response and also what causes damage to it," say health psychologists Dr. Robert Fried and Dr. Lynn Edlen-Nezin, in their new book, Great Food, Great Sex.

"One of the principal culprits is elevated serum low-density lipo-protein (LDL) (bad) cholesterol and its frequent result, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)."

In fact, scientists at the University of South Carolina have found that impotence is a very compelling reason to avoid cholesterol:

Men with low levels of "bad" cholesterol or high levels of  HDL "good" cholesterol are less likely to develop erectile dysfunction. In addition, men with total cholesterol levels over 240 mg/dl - a high amount - had nearly double the risk of erectile dysfunction, compared with men with readings around 180 or less.

The reason for the cholesterol-linked impotence? The clogged arteries impede the flow of blood to the penis, thus leading to erectile dysfunction.

In addition, a woman's clogged arteries also block the blood from her sexual organs.

Thankfully, research shows a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, such as the ones found in this recipe, is a major way to get our "bad" cholesterol down to normal levels.

African Spiced Broccoli Salad

3/4 cup broccoli flowerets -- small
3/4 cup cauliflower flowerets - small
1/2 cup carrot -- diagonally sliced in 1/4 inch slices
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 tablespoons fat-free sour cream
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Steam first 3 ingredients, covered, 2 minutes. Rinse broccoli mixture under cold water; drain well.

Combine salt and next 5 ingredients (salt through crushed red pepper) in a small skillet; cook over medium heat 2 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring constantly.

Combine spice mixture, sour cream, vinegar, and honey in a bowl; stir well. Add broccoli mixture; toss well to coat. Stir in green onions just before serving.

Nutritional information
Calories, 57; total fat, 4g; saturated fat, 2g; protein, 3.8g; carbohydrate, 10.7g; fiber, 3g; sodium, 194mg; calcium 40mg.

Source: Great Food, Great Sex

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